Fiona Thompson

The father of a Sunderland teenager who died after a boat trip turned to tragedy has opened up after losing his much-loved son.

Liam Hall died after he got into difficulties off Roker beach on Tuesday afternoon when he and Jack Hanratty, 17, left their dinghy to go for a swim.

Liam Hall, 17, who died in a sea tragedy in Sunderland.

The 17-year-old, from Southwick, who had also been in the craft with girlfriend Courtney Richardson, 18, and pal Natalie Foster, 21, was pulled from the sea after a major search and rescue operation and was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, but he could not be saved.

The former Sandhill View student had been due to return to his mechanic course at Sunderland College in coming weeks.

His death has prompted an outpouring of support from his friends left devastated by the loss of Liam and now his grieving father Chris Stoker has spoken of the void left in his family’s life.

The two shared their love of cars and helped celebrate Liam’s birthday last month, as he and his sons Ryan Hall, 20, and Lewis Hall, 18, gathered to use Ryan’s quad bike.

I want to say thank you to the hospital for all they did too, they tried their best to save him.

Chris Stoker

The 44-year-old car valet, who lives in Washington, said: “I just loved him to bits and I miss him.

“I wish he was still here.

“He was such a joker, he was always winding people up.

“He loved spending time with his family and loved going out with his mates.